Full solution - 'HP Full feature driver' or 'HP Full software and drivers' offer a complete solution including full printer software functionality and the most advanced features available for the printer, and does not require additional HP software. Recommended where available, the Full solution is typically installed automatically using HP EasyStart. If EasyStart does not launch or stalls, download the Full solution from the printer's Software and Driver Downloads page at HP.com.

Basic - Basic drivers are typically PCL6 drivers compatible with Windows 10 (64-bit only) that use the printer's resources (internal processor and memory) to process print commands. It is a custom driver created for select printers that support PCL 6. Should not be confused with the UPD PCL 6. This download, is available only from support.hp.com/drivers and can be used to provide basic print or print/scan software features (where available). Enables more advanced software functionality than the drivers included In-OS or Windows Update.

Host-based - Host-based drivers use the computer's (host's) resources to process print commands when the computer is connected to the printer via USB cable. It is a custom driver created for host-based printers to provide basic print or print/scan software features. Enables more advanced software functionality than the drivers included In-OS or Windows Update. Similar to the Basic PCL6 driver, this driver is available only from support.hp.com/drivers. Also known as a Plug and Play driver because it can be installed via USB only.

PCL (no installer) - PCL6, PCL 6, PCL-6, PCL 6 v3, PCL-6 v4, or PCLm driver with no installer. For a network installation with this driver, use the TCP/IP option.

Plug and Play - Host-based driver that can be installed via USB only. Similar to the Basic Host-based option, this driver is available only from support.hp.com/drivers.

HP Universal Print Driver (UPD) - HP Universal Print Drivers for Windows were created to facilitate and simplify printer installations in managed (IT) business environments by providing a single, distributable printer driver that can be used with multiple printer models. For Windows users that want a driver without extra software or without an installer, the HP Universal Print Driver is recommended. Can be installed via USB or network, but is typically installed via network. Available from the printer's HP.com or from hp.com/go/upd.

note:

The HP Universal Print Driver for Windows PCL6 is recommended for most printing needs. It is used for general office applications such as word processing or spreadsheet applications, etc. The printer must have PostScript (PS) printing capability to use the HP Universal Print Driver for Windows PostScript.

Use the PostScript version in the following environments:

When using a PostScript printer.

When printing from Adobe or other highly graphic intensive applications.

When printing documents containing a significant number of graphics or macros.

When printing in a mixed environment, for example, printing from both Windows and Macintosh applications.

Windows Update - In most cases, this will include the full feature, printer-specific driver in Windows Update for the Windows 10 operating system (OS). For older printers, this driver provides print-only functionality (no scan features). Select printers will also have basic WIA support. Use Devices and Printers to run Windows Update and obtain the latest drivers and updates.

In-Operating System (In-OS) - Basic, print-only (no scan) driver included in the Windows 10 operating system (OS) to provide limited print software features. Some of the advanced features may not be available. For some printers, these are the only driver options available. Best used when unable to connect to the internet or when no other solution is available. In the case of All-in-One printers, this is considered a better choice than UPD.

Point and print driver bundle - Typically used by administrators or IT staff to allow for Point and Print interaction among different operating systems. Can be used to install a shared driver on a network print server and then to point to the print server share from a network client.

note:

This option is available to Enterprise customers but is not listed in this document. For more information about Point and Print driver bundles, go to www.hp.com/go/upd.

HP ePrint Software (Android, iOS, Windows) - HP ePrint Software provides the ability to wirelessly print from a Windows or Mac desktop or laptop, to any wireless direct printer that is mobile-enabled and connected to a network or HP cloud, from within applications using the standard File > Print method. Includes a driver for Windows and a .pdf workflow for Mac. Use HP ePrint software to print documents or photos over the Internet by sending an email from an email-capable device, from any location, to an email address assigned to a Web-connected HP printer. Newer printers can download and use HP Roam.

Footnotes

Footnotes

1

The In-Operating System (In-OS) driver is included in Windows and automatically installs when the USB cable is connected to the printer, or when the printer is connected to a non-domain network with 30 devices or less. To manually install this option, use the Add Printer wizard in Windows Devices and Printers. For instructions, go to Install the Windows driver for an HP printer on a network in Windows 10.

2

This printer has a driver available from Windows Update. Windows Update automatically detects and installs the driver when the computer has an internet connection. If the company restricts access to the internet or Windows Update, contact the system administrator. If internet access is not available, use the In OS driver. For instructions on how to manually install the drivers and software, go to Install the Windows driver for an HP printer on a network in Windows 10.

3

This printer must first install an .msi file in order to successfully install a driver using a USB connection. Normally, this should install automatically unless Windows Update is disabled or there is no connection to the internet. To obtain the .msi file, make sure Windows Update is enabled and then run Windows Update which will automatically install the .msi file and driver. If Windows Update is disabled, go to the HP.com, download the HP LaserJet USB (DOT4) communication driver for Windows from hp.com, load the HP PCL6 driver into the driver store, and then connect the USB cable.

4

If EasyStart does not launch or stalls, you can also download the full solution from hp.com (where available). Full feature drivers or full solutions, including the solution provided by EasyStart, are larger file downloads from 99.3 MB to 178.2 MB or larger. When using a slow internet connection, consider downloading the Basic, PCL, Host-based, or Plug and Play option (if available), or order the solution on CD if available.